Esophagus
Dr. Nimir Dr. Safaa
Define esophagus. Enlist relations of esophagus. Describe the constrictions of the esophagus. Give its blood and nerve supply.
Objectives
The esophagus is a muscular tube about 25-27cm long which connects the pharynx with the stomach (40-45 cm from teeth to cardia of the stomach). The esophagus takes a straight course through the mediastinum of the thorax and pierces the diaphragm at the esophageal hiatus to enter the abdomen and the stomach.
ESOPHAGUS
The Oesophagus
25-27 cm
Cervical
Thoracic
oesophageal hiatus (T 10 )
Abdominal
Cardia
Relations of :esophagusPosterior: vertebrae, thorathic duct, hemiazygos, accessory hemiazygos, descending aorta, first 2 intercostal arteries from aorta.
Anterior: trachea to T4/T5, reccurent laryngeal nefrves, left bronchus, left atrium, diaphragm.
Left: thoracic duct, aorta, left subclavian artery, lung.
Right: lung, azygos vein( hence good side to approach the oesophagus surgically).
Relations of esophagus: Posterior: vertebrae, thoracic duct, hemiazygos,
accessory hemiazygos, descending aorta, first 2 intercostal arteries from aorta.
Anterior: trachea to T4/T5, reccurent laryngeal nerves, left bronchus, left atrium, diaphragm.
Left: thoracic duct, aorta, left subclavian artery, lung.
Right: lung, azygos vein( hence good side to approach the esophagus surgically).
0
15
25
40
Blood Supply Arteries
the inferior thyroid arteries the oesophageal branches
of aorta
left gastric artery
Veins
Inferior thyroid veins
Azygos and hemiazygos
Left gastric vein and the inferior phrenic veins
Nerve supply left vagus --> anterior right vagus --> posterior
Clinical Notes Esophageal Constrictions: The esophagus has three anatomic and physiologic constrictions. The first
is where the pharynx joins the upper end, the second is where the aortic arch and the left bronchus cross its anterior surface, and the third occurs where esophagus passes through diaphragm. Swallowed foreign bodies can lodge,difficult to pass an esophagoscope, strictures develop here after the drinking of caustic fluids, common sites of carcinoma of the esophagus. Remember (15 cm), (25 cm), and (40 cm).
Portal Systemic Venous Anastomosis: At lower third of esophagus, esophageal tributaries of azygos veins
(systemic veins) anastomose with esophageal tributaries of left gastric vein (which drains into the portal vein). Should the portal vein become obstructed, as in cirrhosis of the liver, portal hypertension develops, resulting in the dilatation and varicosity of the portal systemic anastomoses. Varicosed esophageal veins may rupture during the passage of food, causing hematemesis (vomiting of blood), which may be fatal.
The Esophagus and the Left Atrium of the Heart: The relationship help to assess size of left atrium in cases of left-sided
heart failure.
Thank you